Cape Town

Cape Town Photos

31 May 2008

Strange Rock Formations

Walking in and around the Table Mountain range, there are so many interesting rock formations. I am sure that many hikers are familiar with the popular Saucy Dog close to Tranquility Cracks on Table Mountain or the ape like head visible on the Muizenberg/Silvermine mountains.

Recently I noticed the book, "Pathway of the Sun" by Dean Liprini, in a local library. The book covers the spirituality behind certain rock formations in and around Table Mountain and the Cape Peninisula. More information here: http://www.sunpath.co.za/pathways-of-the-sun.
Also check out the gallery at http://www.sunpath.co.za/gallery


On my ventures around Cape Town, I also discovered this strange but distinct rock formation recently. I have been to this place so many times but this day, suddenly , it was there, right in front of me. When I showed photos of it to some people, I was asked the question by someone:"How do I know if it is not matchbox size?" I could prove, certainly not.

Does anybody know the location of "The Bull"?

ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2008

The word is out: The Artscape Youth Jazz Festival 2008 will happen on 21 June 2008 from 15h00 to 18h00 at the Artscape Theatre.

Festival organisers had a tough task in selecting the final groups to take part in the festival. "Well-known jazz artists who formed the judging panel are also this year’s mentors and will perform with the bands. They include : Melanie Scholtz, Keith Tabisher, Andre Swartz, Andrew Lilley and Wesley Rustin."

"Amongst the diverse disciplines required, ESP Fusion (Stellenbosch), Incredibles Brass (Nyanga East), Fusion–Settlers High (Bellville) and South Peninsula High School (Bergvliet) showed exceptional talent and within the jazz genre, displayed their professional ability, had a good understanding of the jazz idiom and ability to improvise. The bands are actively performing at clubs or schools in areas across the Western Cape and their
ages ranges from 14 to 34 years."

DETAILS ON THE BANDS

INCREDIBLES BRASS
The Incredibles Brass was formed in 2005 Roy Roode who is passionate about developing the youth In the Nyanga East location where all the band members come from. The group started with six Horn players, 3 Trumpeters 2 Trombonists as well as Roy himself on Trumpet. Incredibles Brass have played many gigs without a rhythm section, playing mostly Afro Jazz which includes the ‘Umbhaqanga’ style. They have been invited by well-known
professional bands such as Little Giants and Bra Cups Big Band to perform together, giving them the opportunity of experiencing playing with a rhythm section. Now a group of 9 musicians they have their own a rhythm section.

Band members
Siyamthanda Makatesi 18 Trumpet Mkhonto Nyanga East
Mpumelelo Siduna 26 Trumpet Mkhonto Nyanga East
Mbongeni Mshweshwe 19 Trombone K.T.C Nyanga East
Zukile Finini 19 Trombone K.T.C Nyanga East
Steven Campbell 16 Trombone Mkhonto Nyanga East
Godfrey Dyantyi 34 Bass Guitar Mawumawu Nyanga East
Mzwakhe Mcekiso 35 Piano Mawumawu Nyanga East
Masixole Mkhonto 16 Drums N.Y 53 Guguletu

SOUTH PENINSULA HIGH
The band started in 2002 on small scale with drums, bass, keyboard and clarinet. The group of students performing in the Artscape programme are a mixed bag - some of them used to perform with the SP Alumni Band and others have become a regular part of the SP Alumni Band. The instrumentalists form a separate group known as the SP Jazz Collective as well as being part of the SP Jazz Orchestra.

Band Members
Jason Powell 17 Trumpet Marina Da Gama
Lloyd Stuurman 17 Piano Grassy Park
Marlon Witbooi 17 Drums Grassy Park
Giovanni Amansure 16 Percussion Heathfield
Quinton Appollis 15 Guitar Lavender Hill
Byron Linevere 21 Bass Lavender Hill
Jamie Abrahams 19 Vocals Diep River
Ashleigh Abrahams 15 Vocals Diep River
Candice Thornton 17 Vocals Athlone

ESP FUSION is based in Stellenbosch. The instrumental band, as is, has been together almost 3 years. (Vocalist, Lizanne, joined them last year.)’We’d like to think of our music as being rooted in jazz, reflecting the various Cape Ghoema, funk and Latin styles that has taught and influenced us.’ As individuals, being full and part-time musicians coming from different backgrounds (classical, gospel and field band etc), they create a versatile platform to work with. Their musical director, Ramon Alexander (piano), composes most of the original material. ESP Fusion has performed with artists like Robbie Jansen and Alvin Dyers. They do different types of gigs ranging from functions to stage performances and bigger productions by ESP (Eccentric Sound Productions) which is band member, Heiné’s business.

Band Members
Ramon Alexander 28 Piano Stellenbosch
Neville Arnolds 30 Drums Stellenbosch
Heiné Jack 31 Bass Guitar Stellenbosch
Philip Vermeulen 31Guitar Stellenbosch
Lizanne October 23 Vocals Stellenbosch
Lou-Ann Stone 23 Alto Saxophone Cape Town

FUSION – SETTLERS HIGH is a band made up of learners from The Settlers High School in Bellville. They have been playing together since they were juniors at the school and have developed into a tight band that enjoys playing all types of music. They are quality at ease playing background music as they are performing on centre stage. They are in great demand and have played at many school and community functions. Most of the members take music as a subject and read music as well as play by ear. They pick the repertoire and arrange the music themselves and are managed by their music teacher Mrs Carol Howell.

Band Members
Levi Alexander 16 Saxophone Bellville South
Matthew Meas 15 Saxophone/ Piano Kuilsriver
Margot De Bruyn 17 Piano/Vocalist Bellville South
Dean Fortune 17 Drums Stellenridge
Jody Abel 16 Bass guitar Goodwood
Tylin van der Ross 14 Percussion
Parow

Tickets cost R30 and are available from Computicket http://www.computicket.com/ and Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421-7695.

20 May 2008

A TRIBUTE TO VINCENT KOLBE

An invitation from the District Six Museum

Please join us for

A TRIBUTE TO VINCENT KOLBE

District Six Museum
25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Sunday 25 May 2008
3 – 5 pm


Vincent Kolbe has been a social activist, friend, mentor, teacher, and inspiration to Capetonians for many years. His musical gifts are legendary. His encyclopedic knowledge of South African culture has been the wellspring for many academic and popular cultural studies.

Please join us for an afternoon of musical and spoken tributes to Vincent.

Donations for a gift for Vincent will be accepted at the event.

Please forward this invitation to other friends and colleagues.

Please RSVP to Wilma at the District Six Museum:
Wilma@districtsix.co.za
Telephone: 021-466-7214 or 466-7200

For more information contact:
Terri
tbarnes@uwc.ac.za
Elaine
Elaine.salo@uct.ac.za
Colin
colindavidm@telkomsa.net

19 May 2008

babu - up roots - the album launch

Babu is having their album launch at the SABC Auditorium on Friday, 23rd May 2008.


Are you going to ask the question "Who is Babu?" If you are a jazz lover, for sure, you must have seen some of these guys playing at venues around town.

The group consist of:
Kesivan Naidoo - Drums and Cymbals
Reza Khota - Guitar
Ronan Skillen - Tabla and extended percussion
Shane Cooper - Bass

The binding force that brings this band of four highly imaginative and proficient musicians together is respect. Respecting the music and sharing a love for some of the most invigorating improvisational sounds in Jazz over the last 60 years. Drawing inspiration from the searching spirit in Jazz, and its ability to tap into the more complex realms of human experience, the subconscious, perhaps mystical world. This desire to look into the depth of shared musical experience leads us to investigate the improvisational practices of Indian Classical music, which has had an extensive history with spirituality in music.

With great faith, love and a willing audience, the performance occasion can bring our minds together to test the depth of ecstasy in music and leave the room charged with exhilaration, respect and love for all life.

Launch Details
Friday 23rd May 2008 20:00
SABC Auditorium, 209 Beach Road Sea Point
Entry Fee R50 - limited seats available
for bookings contact Marie on : 0834507533

website: http://www.babu.co.za

16 May 2008

Music CD's - price increases

I may not have the acumen of a business person, but there is something that I cannot really understand. Here in South Africa, we pay relatively more for music Cd's. Don't even talk about imported music Cd's.

A certain national music retailer was selling their budget Cd's for R33. Recently I have noticed that the price increased to R39.99. Take note that many of these Cd's are not new stock. These are Cd's that were on the shelf for a long time. Some them are still marked R33, but when you get to the till, you get told that the price is actually R39.99.

I would like to know how can a retailer increase the price of an item, when it is part of old stock that was always on the shelf?

15 May 2008

Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival - Trumpet Workshop

As part of the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival we would like to invite you to attend the following

TRUMPET WORKSHOP

Featuring:

Professor John Thomas From Los Angeles, California

John Thomas is a highly sought-after lead trumpet player who has performed with a galaxy of the world’s top stars and can be heard on hundreds of TV shows and movie soundtracks.

Date: Friday 30th May 2008
Venue: Room C7, S.A. College of Music, Rondebosch
Time: 15h30 – 16h30
Bookings: email info@ctbigbandjazzfest.co.za
Or call 082 451 3696 to register your attendance.
Seating is limited


NB: Do not forget to book your tickets for the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival 2008
Details at http://www.ctbigbandjazzfest.co.za/ and
http://capetownnatural.blogspot.com/2008/04/cape-town-big-band-jazz-festival-2008.html

06 May 2008

Jazz Concert at the Nassau 11 May 2008

Jazz Potjie Projects kindly asks you to support the next step of our long-term project to not only bring South African Music to the rest of the world but to raise support for the Children's Resource Center (CRC) and the Little Giants.

Happening @ NASSAU AUDITORIUM, Groote Schuur High School Premises, PalmyraRoad, Newlands
11 May 2008, 7 p.m. till 10 p.m.; doors open 6:30 p.m.
Cover charge R 40

This is what you will get:
George Werner Trio feat. Robbie Jansen
Vocalists Erin Clarke and Wathiq Hoosain
Little Giants
Perfect Way feat. Titi Tsira on vocals
Glenn Robertson Band

Snacks and soft drinks available
Booking: 072 601 2848
For more details don't hesitate to contact Jazz Potjie Projects: 021426-1093
Kind regards from Andreas, Regina & George
JPP - Jazz Potjie Projects
Cape Town 021 426-1093
aw@paso-partners.com
http://www.jpp.co.za/

For more on the Jazz Potjie Projects please go to the link http://capetownnatural.blogspot.com/2008/02/summer-in-cape-townvolume-one.html

"Jazzin' It Up in a Virtual Concert"

As part of the 2008 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, a link up was made between the Juilliard School in New York and Cape Town, which consisted of musicians, facilitators and live audiences in both cities. Read about this historic jazz event in the May 2008 issue of the "The Juilliard Journal Online"

05 May 2008

The Monday Night Jam - The Guy From Greece

The Monday Night Jazz Jam never fails with interesting surprises. When someone starts playing the keyboards and multi-instrumentalist, Mark Fransman, comes from backstage to see who is playing, then you know something hot must be cooking.

There was no doubt, that the very able keyboard player from Athens, Greece, Vagelis Stefanopoulos made his jazz mark, on the Cape Town Jazz scene, when he made his debut at the jam on 29 April 2008. What a pity that his visit to the city was so short. I am sure that Vagelis also enjoyed the company of drummer Karriem Darries, guitarist Vaughan Ceaser, saxophonist Mark Fransman and the other musicians that joined in with him, very much.

Doing some research on the internet, revealed that this young man is an accomplished musicians and that he is involved in a number of jazz projects. Unfortunately, he did not have any recordings with him. He mentioned that he enjoys the impromptu playing of jams very much.

Speaking to him, I found out that his main influences are JS Bach, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, Sting. Watching and listening to him, surely revealed the Jarrett influence.

Vagelis, we expect to see you in Cape Town soon again. Bring your group, Jazznovation, with you.

Go check out his Myspace at:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=303439586

04 May 2008

Benefit Concert for Tony Schilder


Tony Schilder, Jazz pianist and one of the stalwarts of the 'Cape Jazz' genre, well known for his evergreen tribute to the famous but now defunct jazz haunt in Maneneberg, Club Montreal, is in hospital after undergoing surgery last week. He is now off life support and doctors are pleased with his progress thus far.

Tony is part of a well known “Jazz Family” on the Cape Flats and is perhaps the best known band leader on the Cape Jazz Scene. His “Trio” has played many concerts, festivals and club dates all over the world. He is a highly respected composer and arranger and has contributed to the recordings of many artists including collaborations with international guitarist Jonathan Butler.

He was rushed to hospital after collapsing at his Tableview home the week before.

His fellow musicians and friends have rallied to his aid in this time of need and have undertaken to host a concert to raise much needed funds towards his medical bills

Artists who have thus far committed to contribute their time and talents are:
Allou April, Richard Ceaser, Alistair Izobell, Terry Fortune, Sammy Webber, Vernon Castle, Leslie Kleinsmith, Zayne Adam, Robbie Jansen, Glen Roberts, Black Currant, Del Segno, Take Note, Tucan Tucan, Darryl Andrews & The Jonathon Rubain bands.

This concert will be held at West End in Rylands on Friday, 9 May from 6pm and a donation of R50 is the entry fee to this spectacular event.

The organizers are appealing to the corporate and private sector as well as government and the general public to please support this effort.

For further info contact Calvin Peters on
Mobile: 082 950 8625 or E-mail: calvin@cjrecordings.com

Pledges and donations can be deposited into the following account:
A. Schilder
FNB - Montague Gardens
Cheque Account: 54821161450
Branch Code: 204/709


"Jazz and freedom go hand in hand. That explains it. There isn't any more to add to it. If I do add to it, it gets complicated. That's something for you to think about. You think about it and dig it. You dig it..." Thelonious Monk
"Jazz and freedom go hand in hand. That explains it. There isn't any more to add to it. If I do add to it, it gets complicated. That's something for you to think about. You think about it and dig it. You dig it..." Thelonious Monk

Hamba Kahle Winston Mankunku Ngozi - Tributes

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